Sulfites are a preservative that is safe to use for most people, but the Food and Drug Administration estimates that one out a hundred people is sulfite sensitive and that five percent of the sulfite sensitive have asthma. A reaction can be mild to severe to life threatening..
Sulfite Reactions
Symptoms of sulfite reaction are similar to anaphylaxis, including flushing, fast heartbeat, hives, wheezing, dizziness, stomach upset, diarrhea, collapse, tingling or difficulty swallowing.
Just how many people are sensitive,or allergic, is difficult to ascertain because reporting is voluntary.To complicate matters further, scientists have not pinpointed the smallest concentration of sulfites needed to provoke a reaction in a sensitive or allergic person.
The Head of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology at Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation in La Jolla, California, Ron Simon, M. D., was quoted on the FDA website, "The most rapid reactions occur when sulfites are sprayed onto foods or are present in a beverage, but the most severe reactions occur when sulfites are constituents of the food itself."
Sulfite sensitivity can develop at any point in life. No one knows what triggers onset. In a severe reaction bronchial constriction occurs, causing breathing to stop. This can lead to lack of oxygen reaching the organs and can be fatal.
Use of Sulfites on Foods
Sulfur based preservatives (sulfites) have been used for centuries to preserve color on fruits and vegetables, prevent black spot on shrimp and lobster, discourage bacterial growth as wine ferments, condition dough, bleach food starches and to maintain stability and potency of some medications.
Foods That May Contain Sulfites
In 1986 the FDA prohibited the use of sulfite on raw fruits and vegetables, such as on a salad bar. However, sulfites are still used in a variety of cooked and processed foods, including condiments, baked goods, dried fruit, jam, gravy, pre-cut potatoes, molasses, shrimp and soup mixes. Beverages, such as wine, beer, hard cider, fruit juices, vegetable juices and tea are also sources of sulfite use.
Packaged foods with sulfites are required to state so on the package, so when shopping at the grocery store, it becomes very important to read labels.
Dining Out with a Sulfite Allergy
Eating out is more tricky. It is a challenge to find out the contents of every item served in a restaurant. Servers often do not know how to answer questions about food ingredients.
Try to prevent reactions by eating carefully. When dining out choose foods with the least amount of processing possible. For example, instead of choosing hash browns, choose a baked potato.
People who are sulfite sensitive or allergic to sulfa should avoid eating foods and substances containing sulfites. If there is a history of severe reactions, carry an antihistamine, inhaler and/or EpiPen. Talk to the doctor about appropriate treatment.
How To Eat Out When Food Allergies Are a Problem
